| If you know what you want and what you can | | | | develops his pictures (does he have his own lab, does |
| afford, you can find the right wedding photographer | | | | he use a professional lab?) and how long it will be |
| to make your wedding a memorable event! | | | | before you get your proofs of the pictures from |
| If you are planning a wedding and wondering | | | | which you will choose your final selection. |
| whether you should hire a professional wedding | | | | TRY to get a contract from the wedding |
| photographer to take your wedding photos, there | | | | photographer that puts all of this in writing. From the |
| are some things you should consider. | | | | timing of the shots, to the payment schedule (don't |
| If you have a friend who is a GREAT photographer | | | | pay the entire fee upfront), you should have a |
| or a professional photographer, you might be | | | | written agreement in case anything goes wrong. |
| tempted to ask your friend to take your pictures, | | | | Think about what it would be like if this photographer |
| thinking you will save some money. | | | | does not fulfill his end of the bargain and you do |
| This CAN be a success if you and your friend plan all | | | | NOT get the pictures of your wedding. Make you |
| the details and if you let your friend know exactly | | | | sure you understand the FULL cost, when deposits |
| what you want and do not want and when you | | | | and final payments are due, what packages you can |
| want her/him to be involved and when you want him | | | | choose, how many pictures you will get, and get it all |
| to stay out of the way. | | | | in the contract. |
| Everyone has a different preference for what | | | | Meet and talk to several wedding photographers and |
| wedding photographs they want and how | | | | companies before you choose the one you want. |
| inconspicuous they want the wedding photographer | | | | Hiring a wedding photographer is not an impersonal |
| to be, so be sure you talk in detail about what you | | | | decision. This person will have to care about what |
| want. If your friend has NEVER done wedding photos | | | | you want and genuinely try to fulfill your |
| before, you should consider a professional wedding | | | | expectations. He will also interact with the guests and |
| photographer. | | | | the bridal party, so you want someone who suits |
| You only have one shot at this and you don't want | | | | your style and preferences. |
| to be a guinea pig! If your friend HAS taken wedding | | | | Be sure that you understand whether the person |
| photographs before, ask to see them so you know | | | | you meet is the person you will have on the day of |
| what you will be getting in the bargain. You don't | | | | the wedding. If you are contracting a large wedding |
| want to end a good friendship over poor or missing | | | | photography business, and there are other |
| pictures. | | | | photographers, you should meet the photographer |
| If you are hiring a professional photographer, be sure | | | | who will actually take your wedding photographs. |
| you get to see his/her portfolio and go over the | | | | The cost of a wedding photographer will vary widely |
| details of what you want. Tell him where and when | | | | depending on the area of the country in which you |
| the wedding is and be sure he has directions to the | | | | live and the prevailing rate for wedding |
| service and reception so that you aren't waiting for | | | | photographers in that area. |
| him to arrive! Ask about the equipment he has. What | | | | Price will also depend on the size of your wedding, |
| if it rains the day of the wedding? Can he | | | | what you want in the way of posed and casual |
| accommodate that? Does he also take video or just | | | | photographs, how many photographers are going to |
| 35 mm pictures? | | | | be working at the wedding, etc. You can pay from |
| Get some references and call to ask about the | | | | $1,000 to $20,000 so be sure you know what you |
| experience these other couples had. Was the | | | | want and WHAT YOU CAN AFFORD! |
| wedding photographer professional and polite with | | | | In addition, you will pay between $20.00 and $50.00 |
| guests and the bridal party? Was she too pushy or | | | | for reprints. Regardless of where you live, you can |
| obvious in taking her pictures? Did she get all the | | | | plan to spend, on average, between 10% and 20% |
| special shots she promised? | | | | of your total budget on your pictures. |
| Ask the prospective wedding photographer how he | | | | |